Interlude: Songbirds

Mundungus Fletcher shuffled out of Knockturn Alley in a hurry. He had a good thing going on with Sirius' house for a while, but Potter had then kicked him out and he had lost the opportunity to nick all of that sweet silverware. Now he was back to fencing substandard products.

As he made his way out of the alley, he stiffened as he recognized the predicament he was in. For a career thief like Mundungus, this was nothing new. The entrance to the alley was devoid of people, and within seconds, he was surrounded by witches and wizards in Auror uniforms.

For a second, his mind blanked out. The Aurors were supposed to be busy with the war. This was the best time for criminals like Mundungus to flourish because the authority was busy with actual threats. In the previous war, the Aurors were scared shitless of entering shady places due to the Death Eaters. They were completely focused on fighting and everything else slipped under the radar. Yet, here they were, rounding up Mundungus. He wondered whether this was about him being a criminal, or whether it had something to do with the blasted Order he was strong-armed into.

When Dumbledore and Mad-Eye Moody tell you to do something, you do it. No questions asked. Or else you'd find yourself inside a lockup due to all the stuff you did. Oh, they'd never threaten him upfront with it, but he knew that he would no longer have the support of Dumbledore if he did not support the Order. That was his usual experience with the Order. He got to do thankless tasks just so that he could enjoy his freedom. The silver lining was that Dumbledore was willing to spring him just to have his useful tool inside the criminal underbelly of the wizarding world.

He struggled to take his wand out of his pocket, but it was for naught. A spell impacted him from behind and his wand flew away from him. He whirled around in agitation, but another spell impacted him. Unable to fight the body-biding curse, his arms and legs snapped together and he toppled to the ground.

"Search him. Once he's clear, take him to the holding cells," ordered someone from the side.

He lay there helpless, wondering why they had jumped him now of all times. It didn't worry him too much though. After all, Dumbledore will be visiting the ministry and springing him out of the lockup as soon as he heard what happened.

##################

Remus Lupin growled in annoyance as he dodged another swipe at his face, and responded with a knee to the abdomen instead. As his quarry bent down in pain, Remus punched his temple hard. His opponent fell like a puppet whose strings had been cut.

"Anyone else?" his voice rumbled in a deep baritone. None of the spectators stepped forward. This had been the sixth opponent for the night, and Remus was tired. He cursed Dumbledore from the depth of his heart once more.

He hated what he had been doing for the past couple of days. Dumbledore, the old fool had seen fit to send him to the packs to gain their allegiance. As if Greyback's death would hold back his stringent supporters. As if the oppression faced by the werewolves would miraculously disappear after they took out Greyback. Day by day, it seemed like Dumbledore was trying to drag everyone into an early grave. Remus could practically smell the scent of looming death on the man. His last-ditch efforts to do something were getting annoying. It was as if the old man expected everyone to embrace death with open arms.

To be honest, Remus would not mind death all that much. All his friends were waiting for him after all. He had nothing to lose and everything to gain in the afterlife. Yet, he held on. Initially, he had no intention of trying to sway the wolves to his side. As usual, nothing went right in his life, and he got dragged into another mess.

Greyback's followers had gone on a spree and turned many kids immediately after their leader bit the dust. They believed that the increase in numbers would be the leverage they needed to maintain their good standing with Voldemort. The deluded fools weren't even aware that their so-called Dark Lord had disappeared, licking his wounds. Greyback was the only wolf who directly interacted with the Death Eaters, so these lot were running around like headless chickens, causing more harm in their wake. It was not as if any of them even had the Dark Mark, even Greyback didn't have one. Creatures didn't deserve the Dark Mark according to their esteemed Dark Lord.

Greyback had faithful lieutenants who lead packs of their own. It all resulted in Greyback in control of several packs, all geared to sow chaos and misery. Now that he was gone, his bootlickers were eyeing the position of the top dog and had been doing some heavy recruitment. They couldn't be as strong as Greyback, so they went for quantity over quality. If given enough time, they would twist the kids and indoctrinate them into a similar mindset. That was not acceptable.

When Remus returned to the camps, he had been horrified to find so many new kids. Kids who were terrified out of their minds. Cast out of their homes, shunned by everyone they knew and loved, only to end up being pushed around by murderous scum. Remus was generally a pacifist. A goody-two-shoes, according to Prongs and Padfoot. All that had taken a back seat after seeing the kids. It was the last straw that broke the camel's back.

He had spent his entire life as a punching bag for prejudiced wankers. The same fate awaited these kids, and he could not allow it anymore. Now that Greyback was gone, Remus would not allow any other two-bit werewolf to take his spot and spread misery.

The uncanny thing was, Harry had seen this coming from afar. When he had gone to tell the lad that he was leaving to parlay with the wolves, Harry had scoffed and told him that there won't be any parlay.

"They're a bunch of animals Remus, and I'm not saying this because they are werewolves. Do you think they will listen to honeyed words? No. All they know is violence and strength. Greyback was their leader because he was strong. They won't listen to you if you talk to them. The only way to make them listen is to play their game and beat them at it. But I know you won't play. So when things go south, come see me," the boy had told him. And as predicted, the sheer number of new wolves had forced Remus to visit Harry. He didn't even bother informing Dumbledore about the new developments. The man would only waffle and preach and not do anything substantial to rectify the situation.

The meeting with Harry had not gone how he had expected. He hadn't expected to be sworn to secrecy under the fidelius. He hadn't expected the true identity of the Knights at all. It looked like Sirius' death had changed something fundamental about Harry. After he had gotten over his shock, he had been ushered into a meeting. He truly pitied the fools that would stand against the trifecta of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Amelia Bones. Amelia brought in the tactics and the official playbook. Hermione brought in an unnerving ability to fish out the perfect spells for the situation. Finally, Harry brought sheer power into play. What else could he expect from someone who had sent Voldemort packing? Of course, he was fighting alongside Dumbledore, but his power was unquestionable at this point.

Knights of the Old Republic was an organization made up of kids that had proven to be more than a match for the Death Eaters. Their track record was way better than that of the Order. Necessity bred excellence, he supposed. The other members were good in their own way, but it was unquestionable that the linchpins of the military operations were Harry, Hermione, and Amelia. He had listened to what they had said, and here he was, putting the plan into action.

He was bruised and littered with new scratch marks that would undoubtedly scar him even more, but here he stood, triumphant. It was a fake victory though. Remus might be physically strong and magically skilled, but that wasn't enough for him to best these hardened werewolves in combat.

During the full moon, he had unleashed Moony, and with the subtle aid of his newfound team, he had established dominance within the packs. But come dawn, Greyback's lieutenants and their offshoot groups were not content to let him be. So they had challenged him. He couldn't use his wand, because they would not accept that as a valid victory. He knew that many werewolves had been forced into this lifestyle and would jump ship if he provided them an alternative. His only goal was to take them and the kids and make a better name for the werewolf community. But the remnants of Greyback's regime were keeping them at bay, forcing them to submit yet again. As long as they were left to run amok, the werewolves will always have a dark connotation.

So he had no option but to fight. He planned to juice up on potions that would give him an advantage, but Harry had told him not to worry about it and just fight. Harry had told Remus that he would have his back. Remus had decided to trust Harry for once. It didn't hurt that he no longer trusted Dumbledore to strategize any sort of victory.

He knew that Harry was somewhere around, but he could not sense him in any way. Miraculously, whatever Harry was doing was working. All his opponents had moments in the fight where their attacks seemed to miss him by an inch while leaving openings for him to capitalize upon. To an observer, it might seem like Remus was predicting their moves and delivering devastating counters. But Remus knew that it was not the case. He was not predicting them, they were just being led around by the nose due to whatever Harry was doing.

Now, as he stood victorious over the last of Greyback's lapdogs, he looked at the group intently.

"Anyone who shares the thoughts of these imbeciles might as well leave now," he growled. As expected, several werewolves came forward and picked up their fallen comrades as they left the place in a hurry. They would have fought him if he hadn't knocked out their superiors with such ferociousness. He did let them go though. The Knights had already surrounded the place discreetly, and any Greyback supporter who was trying to escape would be in for a rude surprise. After all that they had done, their remaining time in this world was numbered. Especially considering Mad-Eye was leading the team that was holding the perimeter. It still amazed him how Harry could now camouflage the team from the advanced senses of the wolves.

Despite many wolves leaving, there was a sizeable number remaining. He recognized many of them and knew that they never wanted this life. It was forced onto them, and they were forced onto meaningless violence with the threat of death. Amelia had given him the green light to reform them as long as they were not crazed maniacs who were willing participants. The innocent would survive, while the rabid animals would be put down. The Ministry was devoid of all problematic elements now, and he hoped that the innocent werewolves would be allowed to live normal lives like they so desperately wanted to.

"Now that the trash is gone, let me tell you how we are going to operate from now on," he said, noticing the palpable relief in the face of the kids that had been forced into the packs. Maybe there were some things worth living for. If he could make life easier for these kids, so that they do not suffer as he did, it would be enough for him.

##################

Albus Dumbledore resurfaced from the pensieve with a horrified look on his face. It had been almost three weeks since the expedition to that accursed cave. Despite spending time under Poppy's care, he still hadn't recovered from the ordeal. His body had recovered from that infernal potion's effects, but his magic was a different story altogether. Despite wielding the famed Elder Wand, he could still feel the drastic drop in his power.

The worst part was, he didn't know whether it was completely a result of exacerbating the curse, or whether the wand had decided to switch allegiance. He had spent a lot of time considering whether being brought to his knees as a result of Tom's trap was enough for the wand to switch sides. If that were the case, then his plan with Severus was for naught. Or would the wand consider young Harry as its new master, since the boy had been the one who was force-feeding the potion to him? All he had were questions. Maybe he was just too used to his power and couldn't bear to think that the drop was all due to his fading life. He threw away these thoughts and focused on what he had seen in the pensieve.

Young Harry had managed to fleece this specific memory from Horace, which was both a good thing and a bad thing. The positive side of it was that a fire had been lit under Harry ever since the cave. He could see it in the eyes. The negative side of it was that Tom had been shooting for seven horcruxes. It was fortunate that the cursed scar was gone now. The diary, the ring, and the locket were gone as well. Now that he had witnessed the locket in person, it would be safe to assume that Hufflepuff's cup, which got stolen alongside the locket was a horcrux as well. He just needed to find it. Other than that, Nagini remained along with one other unknown horcrux. His time was coming soon, but apparently, so was Tom's.

He was close to his goal. Soon, Tom would be mortal, and Harry had to best him in combat. Alas, he was sure that he would not live to see Tom's end.

As he sat ruminating on all that he had to do, the fireplace lit up with green flames. Right on time for her appointment, Amelia Bones stepped out of the fire and walked towards his desk briskly.

"Good evening Amelia," said Albus.

"I'm having a good evening alright. I'm not sure about you though," she said brusquely. He wondered what had happened for her to speak to him in such a rude manner.

"Whatever do you mean?" he asked.

"I'm sure that Shacklebolt and Tonks told you why they resigned from your little organization last month," she said with a raised eyebrow.

That was a sore subject for Albus indeed. Alastor, Kingsley, and Nymphadora had all quit the organization last month after the battle at Godric's Hollow. Alastor was unsalvageable because of the unpleasant business at Severus' house. He was a good friend and a tremendous fighter, but the secrets had driven a wedge between them. Kingsley and Nymphadora on the other hand were Aurors in active service. They gave him vital intel on attacks and helped coordinate their response. Their defection was a heavy blow to the organization. Alas, their jobs were on the line, and they had to follow Amelia's orders.

He just did not have the time to talk to Amelia about the situation. He was drained after the fight and had to recuperate. Once he was healed up, he had gone on the hunt for the horcrux with Harry and had to spend more time recuperating from that trip.

"Yes. Was it really necessary, Amelia? We are all on the same side here," he said at last.

"It was necessary, yes. Frankly, I did not forget your interference in the ambush. I was just busy cleaning up the trash at the ministry. Now I finally have time to deal with your organization. All Order members who work for the Ministry are under probation now. One step out of line, and they'll be out," she said.

"I fail to understand why you are trying to stop us while Voldemort is out there," he replied.

"You don't understand? Your little stunt could have gotten the Knights killed. I get that you are trying to do your best, but you have been obstinate in doing things your own way. We are no longer being hampered by Fudge, yet you haven't been helping us except for giving Rufus some unsolicited advice. If we could have coordinated during that assault, we could have been even more effective. But you apparently want to play everything close to your chest. Do you think that I am untrustworthy? I did lose my family to the Death Eaters. Is that not enough?"

"I am not questioning your integrity, Amelia. Voldemort is too much of a threat for me to act openly and tip my hand. You have done a tremendous job, although it could have been done without such bloodshed," he finished with a frown.

"We don' have Azkaban anymore, in case you have forgotten. Also, it is a war, Albus. If we don't contain this, then the Statute will be broken. Do you want all the muggles to find out about us due to these imbecilic terrorists? Don't answer that. I'll get down to business," she said as she placed a file on the desk.

Albus took the file and skimmed through the contents with growing trepidation.

"Why are you doing this?" he asked, thinking about what he could do to put an end to this.

"As you can see, the warrants are out. We have already apprehended Fletcher, I want you to tell me where Severus Snape is," she said with steel in her voice.

Albus sighed, weary of what was happening. He could try to push, to get the warrant revoked, but it would ultimately be fruitless. The Ministry was extremely popular with the general public now due to the actions they had been taking. In fact, they didn't even need a warrant due to the active terrorist situation going on. It was just a way for them to ensure that he could not do anything to save Severus.

"Please understand. Severus is taking a terrible risk doing what he does. Hounding him at this juncture would be detrimental to the war effort," he stated.

"I have half a mind to drag you to a holding cell myself, but I have no intention of harassing a dying man in his last few months of life. You can't change my mind about Snape though. We need to find Voldemort right now. Giving him time to recuperate and build his forces is stupid. And Snape knows where the bastard is, so I want Snape to cough up all his secrets," she said.

He stiffened for a second and then sighed in defeat. Half his mind was distracted by the thoughts of the remaining horcruxes. He couldn't do anything in this situation anyway. Severus had been tending to Tom for quite some time now, and even Albus did not know where they were.

"Figured that out have you? I suppose my medical record isn't shrouded in mystery. Anyway, he hasn't been here since Voldemort was soundly trounced in his latest attempt at terrorism. Severus was called to tend to Voldemort, and I haven't seen him since. I suspect he is under a fidelius. Minerva and Filius have been overworking themselves covering the DADA classes in his absence," he said.

What he didn't say was that Severus sometimes sent him messages about Tom's condition. He couldn't reveal more due to Tom's increasing paranoia. As expected, Amelia did not seem pleased by this news.

"Will you be willing to say the same under veritaserum?" she asked him. He couldn't help but chuckle in response.

"Of course," he said jovially. She scowled yet again and got up from her seat.

"I don't need to tell you this, but you are obligated to share any information you come across. If I find out that Snape contacted you, and you didn't inform me, I will be dragging you to a holding cell," she threatened and began to walk towards the fireplace.

"Just a minute," he interrupted her, coming to a decision. He wasn't fit enough to engage in long-drawn battles anymore, so he could throw her a bone. His focus was on hunting the horcruxes. If the ministry had the skirmishes in hand, then he had no reason to interfere. But he didn't necessarily have to say that to her.

"I'm listening," she said.

"I will coordinate with you when you need my help in raids. I won't interfere, but in return, I want a few concessions," he said. Despite his disadvantageous position in this war, he had one thing backing him. He was a proven fighter, and he could use that as leverage.

"And what are these concessions?" she asked.

"I need two things. Firstly, I want a meeting with Mr. Owl sometime next month," he stalled for time since he needed the time to recuperate completely. He couldn't blindly go into such a meeting with half his strength.

"Whatever for?" she asked in a voice dripping with suspicion.

"It's just a benign meeting. I want to get a proper measure of the man heading the Knights," he said nonchalantly.

"If he agrees to it, I'll let you know. What is the other thing?" she asked.

"I want your word that you will not do to Severus what you have been doing to the other Death Eaters," he said. In return, Amelia stood in contemplation for a few seconds before speaking.

"Frankly, it all depends on him. I am not naive enough to believe that you can't contact him. When you do, you let me know at once. I know that forcing this issue will blow his cover and get him killed before we get our hands on him. Let him know that if we see him in full Death Eater regalia, we aren't asking questions. Tell him to lose the mask at least unless he wants to die. Once we have him, unless he is compliant, we will do what we must to get the information from him. "

"And what will you do after you get the information?" Albus asked.

"If he is co-operative, we will work out a deal with him. Make no mistake though, we won't be absolving him of all his crimes. You know what's at stake, so tell him what you must, but our days of being soft on criminals are long gone," she said with a scowl.

"Unless you tell me what exactly you're going to do, I can't promise you anything with regards to Severus," he said without backing down.

"You are forgetting something. Snape is not the only avenue of information. Moreover, we already have a warrant out for him. If we find him, he will be in for some tough times. I am giving you an opportunity to lessen his suffering. Snape will either die by Voldemort's hand, or by ours if we come across him in pitched battle. You have the chance to save his life. I suggest you take it. No matter how much you trust the man, we can't blindly do so. His value only exists as long as Voldemort is in hiding. Once he loses that value, he is just another criminal for us to put down. Think carefully and make a decision, Albus. If you want the best for him, hand him over to us. He'll get to live that way at least," she said and walked towards the fireplace.

Before she could leave, a silver wolf burst into the room and stood in front of Albus.

"Albus, I am quitting the Order. Don't attempt to contact me," came Remus' voice from the patronus as it dissipated.

He was so taken aback by the unexpected message that he didn't know what to think of it. He was brought out of his stupor by the roar of flames from the fireplace.

"Have a good evening Albus," said Amelia with a smirk on her face as she stepped into the green fire.

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A.N: All of a sudden, I have been assigned a business trip this month. So, I will be busy traveling and working out of the state for the entire month. Updates for both this fic and my Naruto fic will be delayed as a result. I had to rush this chapter before I left, so please ignore any quality issues with this one.

If you want to talk to me on discord, please find the invite in the auxiliary chapter.